Trombone Shorty, born Troy Andrews, has been a star since childhood—debuting at Jazz Fest at age four, leading his own brass band by six, and touring with Lenny Kravitz in his teens. More than just a horn player, his charisma and showmanship have made him a magnetic force in music. Since 2010, he’s released four hit albums, toured with icons like Jeff Beck and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and graced major festivals like Coachella and Newport Jazz. In his hometown of New Orleans, he’s a legend, leading Mardi Gras parades, hosting the Voodoo Threauxdown, and closing out the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
I’m new to Trombone Shorty’s music, and I’m almost embarrassed to admit it. His name only entered my orbit a month ago, and as a jazz and Bossa-nova artist, his genre wasn’t something I followed closely. But after seeing his performance, I was floored. It was like watching James Brown on overdrive—nonstop energy, joyous vibes, impeccable rhythms, and an incredible horn section. His vocalists, those divas, were like a siren call, and Shorty led the musicians with the precision of a New Orleans bandleader straight out of the 1950s. At times, it felt like a parade march; at others, a rousing singalong. The highlight was when he held a single note on his trumpet for what felt like an eternity—circular breathing, yes, but it was unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed. Five minutes of sheer breath control!
Trombone Shorty’s performance at the Hollywood Bowl wrapped up his 2024 tour with a vibrant mix of New Orleans jazz, funk, and hip-hop, leaving the crowd on their feet, energized and exhilarated. The night brought together the explosive brass sounds of Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and the dynamic Southern hip-hop influence of Big Boi from OutKast.
Big Boi’s performance was a perfect contrast, adding the raw energy of Atlanta hip-hop to the night. His unmistakable flow, effortless stage presence, and crowd-pleasing hits like “The Way You Move” and “So Fresh, So Clean” had the audience moving, creating a seamless blend of Southern hip-hop and New Orleans funk.
Opening the night, Danielle Ponder delivered a stirring and memorable performance. Her blend of R&B, blues, rock, and pop resonated deeply with the audience, with her powerful vocals leaving a lasting impression. Ponder’s closing song, where she pondered “Why am I here?” was a deeply emotional moment. Her raw vocals expressed a sense of searching and reflection, drawing the crowd into a shared feeling of vulnerability. The song felt like an intimate conversation, leaving the audience captivated and contemplative.
Overall, Trombone Shorty masterfully bridged tradition and innovation throughout the tour, and the Hollywood Bowl was the perfect backdrop for his signature brass anthems. His seamless collaboration with Big Boi highlighted both artists’ ability to transcend musical boundaries. Drawing from his latest album Lifted and fan-favorite classics, this final performance was a memorable conclusion to an electrifying tour.
